Marijuana legalization takes step forward in Portland

Supporters turning in petition to allow possession, paraphernalia

Supporters of legalizing marijuana possession in Maine's largest city say they've collected more than twice the number of signatures needed to put the question up for a vote.

Organizers say they'll submit petitions with more than 3,000 signatures to Portland city officials to get a question on the ballot in November seeking to make possession of up to 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana legal for adults 21 and over.

The ordinance would not legalize the smoking of marijuana in public.

The petition drive was supported by a coalition that included the Portland Green Party, the Marijuana Policy Project, the Libertarian Party of Maine and the ACLU of Maine.

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